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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Cam Ward made 36 saves for his third shutout in 10 starts, and Eric Staal had a goal and two assists in the Carolina Hurricanes' 3-0 victory over the flat-footed Buffalo Sabres on Sunday night.

Chad LaRose and Sergei Samsonov also scored to help the Hurricanes bounce back from a 5-1 home loss to Columbus on Saturday night. Ward has four shutouts overall this season and 10 in his NHL career.

Aside from winning a season-best third straight road game, the Hurricanes (28-24-5) gained ground in the Eastern Conference standings. With 61 points, the ninth-place Hurricanes moved within three points of Buffalo (29-22-6) and Florida, who hold down the final two playoff spots.

Notes: Hurricanes RW Justin Williams did not return after being struck in the arm by Babchuk's point shot late in the first period. The Hurricanes declined comment on the severity of the injury. ... Hurricanes D Tim Gleason did not play after sustaining what the team described as an upper-body injury on Saturday. ... Sabres C Paul Gaustad (shoulder) could be ready to return by Thursday, when Buffalo plays at Philadelphia, coach Lindy Ruff said. Gaustad missed his fifth game Sunday.

Carolina 2 0 1 -- 3

Buffalo 0 0 0 -- 0

First period--1, Carolina, Staal 24, 9:20 (pp). 2, Carolina, LaRose 13 (Staal, Babchuk), 13:50. Penalties--Stafford, Buf (hooking), 1:38 Samsonov, Car, double minor (high-sticking), 4:36 Connolly, Buf (hooking), 8:48 Lydman, Buf (delay of game), 15:47 Eaves, Car (hooking), 18:29 Connolly, Buf (roughing), 18:49.

Second period--None. Penalties--Roy, Buf (hooking), 8:09 Bayda, Car (interference), 10:21.

Third period--3, Carolina, Samsonov 12 (Ruutu, Staal), 17:48. Penalties--Ruutu, Car (hooking), 12:15.

Shots on goal--Carolina 18-16-13--47. Buffalo 9-12-15--36.

Power-play opportunities--Carolina 1 of 5; Buffalo 0 of 5.

Goalies--Carolina, Ward 22-18-3 (36 shots-36 saves). Buffalo, Miller 27-15-5 (18-16), Lalime (0:00 second, 29-28).

Referees--Kelly Sutherland, Kevin Pollock. Linesmen--Scott Cherrey, Derek Nansen.

A--18,690 (18,690). T--2:21.